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Cocktail History
The Agua Caliente is a classic cocktail that was created in the 1920s most likely in Mexico because its name is a reference to the racetrack in Tijuana. The recipe is traditionally made with tequila, lime, simple syrup, berry liqueur, grenadine, and soda water, and it is considered to be the earliest known version of the Tequila Sunrise.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Soda Water: This is a type of water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. I used Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water.
Tequila Blanco: This is a spirit made with unaged agave and water. I used El Jimador Tequila Silver.
Lime Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lime. I used freshly squeezed lime juice.
Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water. I used this stovetop recipe.
Crème De Cassis: This is a liqueur made with blackcurrants, sugar, and alcohol. I used Maison Ferrand Mathilde Cassis Liqueur.
Grenadine: This is a sweetener made with pomegranate juice and white sugar. I used this stovetop recipe.
Lime Wheel: This is a lime slice that has been cut into a circular shape.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Bright brown-ish red color with an ombré effect
• Aroma: Agave and citrus
• Taste: Bubbly tequila flavor mingled with noticeable citrus and slightly bitter berry notes
• Finish: Sweet pomegranate and tart lemon
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “This is a pretty straightforward stretched cocktail that’s delicious, refreshing, and fruity. The mixers mask the tequila so well that the Agua Caliente might be a little dangerous if you’re not careful. The tart flavors also reminded of the mixed tequila drinks I’d order by the pool when I was by a beach in Mexico.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2025-03-24.
Agua Caliente
The Agua Caliente is a classic cocktail that was created in the 1920s most likely in Mexico because its name is a reference to the racetrack in Tijuana. The recipe is traditionally made with tequila, lime, simple syrup, berry liqueur, grenadine, and soda water, and it is considered to be the earliest known version of the Tequila Sunrise.
Ingredients
Method
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Add tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, crème de cassis, grenadine, and ice cubes to a highball glass.
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Stir for 10-20 seconds.
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Top with soda water.
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Garnish with lime wheel.
